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Trucks blocking the highway
Hundreds of truck drivers have blocked the Auchi-Benin highway to protest against the deplorable state of the road.
The protesting drivers carrying placards with various inscriptions blocked the popular Jattu junction, Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo State, thereby preventing vehicles and commuters from accessing the road.
The protest caused heavy gridlock stretching over two kilometers on both sides of the road.
Speaking on behalf of the protesters, Mr Donald Etamobe, said they would continue the protest until the federal government addressed their grievances.
He said the protest became necessary due to the deplorable state of the road from Auchi to Benin which has become impassable.
He said the interior routes which serve as alternative roads for them have been barricaded by the Edo State government.
A commercial motorist, Jimoh Kadiri, who was trapped in the gridlock, lamented that he had been on the same spot for hours as the protesters blocked the road.
Kadiri said going to Benin has been a herculean task as a journey of one hour, 30 minutes now takes a whole day.
He however called on the Federal Government to repair the road, saying the road is affecting the economy of the state.
Meanwhile, a commuter, Abubakar Lawal Abdullahi, said many people resorted to taking motorcycles (popularly known as okada) to get to their destinations around the area.
“I came From Agbede community on the Benin-Auchi road but had to park my car at Aviele beause of the gridlock. I took a motorcycle to my office at Auchi,” he said. (Daily Trust)
